Cafetalk Tutor's Column

Tarot: A.I. versus Human

Can AI read tarot accurately? Yes. Somewhat. Is it better than a human? It depends on how deeply y...

Study. Know Your Craft. Be Intentional.

Study Study is not just reading — it’s disciplined learning. It means understanding the theory, pr...

Canada at the Winter Olympics: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Photo: Canadian men's curling teamThe 2026 Winter Olympic Games have wrapped up, and Team Canada wa...

Questions You Should Never Be Afraid to Ask Your Tutor

After nearly 13 years teaching Business English, I’ve noticed something interesting. The students w...

The Real Reason You’re Afraid to Speak English

Many English learners believe they are afraid to speak because their grammar is not perfect. But in...

The Pharaonic system….....to flee its captivity

The video discusses the concept of a "Pharaonic system" of governance, defining it as any autocrati...

Feeling inadequate is not a verdict. It is a phase.

The problem is not the feeling — it’s the conclusion we attach to it. Inadequacy often whispers: “Y...

Preparing for an Online Lesson (especially if you're nervous!)

I've had a number of people tell me they get nervous before their first session with a new teacher,...

Self-Motivation Is Hard — But a Positive Mindset Is Power

Let’s be honest: self-motivation is not always easy. There are days when you feel tired, discourage...

Why Singing Is the Best Way to Fix Your Accent

“If You Could Master One Skill Overnight, What Would It Be?”

Imagine waking up tomorrow with one new skill mastered. Would it be speaking another language, play...

Prepare yourself before and online class

How to Speak When You Don’t Know the Word

One of the most frustrating moments in English is this: You are speaking. You are confident. You kn...

5 Effective Ways to Prepare for Your Online Lessons

I've been teaching online for some years, and I've noticed something interesting. The students who...

Daily English Upgrade #030: Say It Better — “Thank you” (natural, strong versions)

“Thank you” is great. These upgrades sound warmer and more natural. Simple upgrades: Thanks, I appr...

Why are you studying English?

We often feel anxiety when we are learning something new. When you are a beginner at a new language...

Practice Makes Your Message Shine

There are times when I'm eager to share my thoughts with others, but the words just won't come out—...

English Idioms Challenge - Week 5

Hey all! This is the fifth week of my English learning challenge: to try & use this idiom in yo...

Speak Better English: Embarrassing Stories #003

Speak Better English: Embarrassing Stories #003 Housing / Rent vs. Own / Cultural Differences “...

Delay hinders Progress

As tutors and learners, we must understand one principle clearly: delay is the enemy of growth. The...

Daily English Upgrade #029: Business Skill — Summarize + confirm action items

This makes you sound professional (and prevents mistakes). Useful phrases: Just to summarize, … So ...

My Simple Pre-Lesson Routine (Online and In-Person)

  No matter if I teach online or face-to-face, I always try to prepare 30–40 minutes before the le...

Why Spoken English Can Be Hard to Understand (Even When the Words Are Simple)

Why Tour Guides Can Be Hard to Understand (Even When the English Is Simple) I used to live near Win...

Daily English Upgrade #028: Mini-Conversation — Fixing misunderstandings (“Sorry, I meant…”)

Misunderstandings happen. These phrases keep you calm and clear. Fix it smoothly: Sorry, I meant… L...

?? Challenge Your Insecurities

Insecurities are silent barriers. They whisper, “You’re not ready.” But growth begins the moment yo...

How to Prepare for a Successful Online Lesson

A little preparation before class can make a big difference in your progress. Here are four simple ...

The persona of each prophet of God (PBUT) within us

The video explains the importance of believing in the prophets of God. The speaker highlights that ...

Daily English Upgrade #027: Tone Control — Friendly vs professional messages

Same meaning, different tone. Friendly: Hey, could you send me the file when you have a moment? Pro...

“Moment Before My Class”

The Quiet Before Growth The few minutes before class are powerful. I breathe. I focus. I prepare to...

Getting Ready for Your Online Class

How should you get ready for your online class?  There are many FUN ways to do this.  First, try to...